Chemsex: support and safer use

Chemsex means using drugs before or during sex, usually to enhance the experience or make it last longer. It is more common than many people realise, and it can be enjoyable. It can also carry real risks to your physical and mental health, and for some people it can become something that feels difficult to control.

Whatever your situation, we are here without judgement. Whether you want information on staying safer, or you want to talk to someone about your use, we can help.

Not sure if what you are doing counts as chemsex? If you are using drugs in a sexual context, this page is for you. You do not need to fit a particular label or identity to access support.

What is chemsex?

Chemsex typically involves one or more drugs used specifically in a sexual context. The most commonly used drugs are:

  • Mephedrone (meph, meow): a stimulant that increases energy, confidence, and sexual desire
  • GHB/GBL (G): a depressant that produces feelings of euphoria and lowered inhibitions
  • Crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth, tina): a powerful stimulant that produces intense euphoria and increased sexual drive
  • Cocaine and ketamine are also used in chemsex settings, though less commonly

Chemsex most commonly occurs in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) communities, though it happens across all sexualities and genders.

Why do people engage in chemsex?

People use drugs in sexual contexts for many different reasons. There is no single profile. Common reasons include:

  • To feel more confident or less inhibited
  • To increase sexual pleasure or stamina
  • To connect with others in social or sexual settings
  • To manage feelings of shame, anxiety, or low self-worth around sex or identity
  • Because it has become part of a social scene or relationship dynamic

Understanding why you use can be a helpful first step, whether you want to change your use or simply stay safer.

What are the risks?

Chemsex can be enjoyable, but it carries risks that are worth knowing about.

Physical health risks
  • GHB/GBL carries a high risk of overdose. The difference between a recreational dose and a dangerous one is very small. Mixing G with alcohol or other depressants significantly increases this risk.
  • Stimulants such as mephedrone and crystal meth can put serious strain on your heart, particularly at high doses or over long sessions.
  • Using drugs in sexual settings can lower inhibitions around safer sex, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV.
  • Injecting drugs (known as slamming) carries additional risks including infection, vein damage, and overdose.
  • Long sessions without sleep, food, or water can have a serious impact on your physical health.
Mental health risks
  • Coming down from chemsex drugs can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia, and low mood, sometimes lasting several days.
  • Regular use can affect your mental health over time, including your sense of self-worth and your relationships.
  • For some people, chemsex becomes a way of coping with difficult feelings, which can make it harder to stop.
Dependence
  • GHB/GBL is physically addictive. Stopping suddenly after regular use can cause serious withdrawal symptoms and can be dangerous. If you are using G regularly, please speak to us before stopping.
  • Mephedrone and crystal meth can be psychologically addictive and difficult to stop without support.

Staying safer

If you are going to use drugs in a sexual context, there are things you can do to reduce the risks.

General
  • Try not to use alone. Having someone you trust around can make a real difference if something goes wrong.
  • Avoid mixing drugs, especially G with alcohol or other depressants.
  • Set limits before you start, including how much you will use and for how long.
  • Eat and drink water before and during a session.
  • Try to keep track of time. It is easy to lose track during chemsex, which can lead to re-dosing too soon.
GHB/GBL specifically
  • Never mix G with alcohol. The risk of overdose increases significantly.
  • Wait at least two hours between doses. G builds up in your system faster than it feels.
  • If someone becomes unresponsive after taking G, put them in the recovery position and call 999 immediately. Do not leave them to sleep it off.
  • Keep a note of when you and others have dosed, especially in group settings.
Sexual health
  • Use condoms and access regular STI testing, including HIV testing.
  • If you are HIV negative, talk to your GP or sexual health clinic about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.
  • If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) can prevent infection if taken within 72 hours. Contact a sexual health clinic or A&E as soon as possible.
Slamming (injecting)
  • If you are injecting, use a fresh needle and syringe every time.
  • Never share injecting equipment.
  • Our Needle and Syringe Programme provides free, clean equipment. No appointment needed.

Signs that use may be becoming a problem

Chemsex can shift from something enjoyable and occasional to something that feels harder to manage. Some signs to look out for:

  • Using more often or in larger amounts than you intended
  • Finding it difficult to have sex without drugs
  • Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from chemsex
  • Missing work, appointments, or commitments because of use or comedowns
  • Feeling low, anxious, or unlike yourself for long periods after using
  • Using drugs to cope with difficult feelings rather than for pleasure
  • Wanting to stop or cut down but finding it difficult

If any of these feel familiar, you are not alone and support is available.

How we can help

We offer free, confidential support for anyone affected by chemsex, whether that is you or someone you care about. You do not need to be in crisis to come to us, and you do not need to want to stop using.

We can help with:

  • Non-judgmental conversations about your use and your options
  • Harm reduction advice tailored to you
  • Support with mental health and wellbeing
  • Help with cutting down or stopping, including managing withdrawal safely
  • Referrals to sexual health services and LGBTQ+ specific support

We work with LGBTQ+ communities. We understand the social and cultural contexts in which chemsex often happens. Our staff will not make assumptions about your identity or your relationships. You will be treated with respect.

Chemsex kits

If you are going to use drugs in a sexual context, having the right equipment with you can make a real difference to your safety. We give out free chemsex kits to anyone who needs one. No appointment needed and no questions asked.

Our kits typically include a combination of the following:

  • Syringes and fixed needles (for people who inject)
  • Pre-injection alcohol swabs
  • Single-use sharps disposal boxes
  • Spoons with filters
  • Straws
  • A measuring syringe (to help with G dosing)
  • Condoms and lubricant
  • Colour-coded ID wristbands (to track dosing and reduce sharing)
  • Latex gloves
  • Electrolyte tablets
  • Information on safer chemsex, sexual health, and your rights

Kits are free. Drop in to any of our hubs and ask at reception. If you would like to know more about any of the equipment or how to use it safely, speak to a member of our team.

Find your closest hub

ID wristbands: a simple step that can save a life Both kits include colour-coded ID wristbands. Write the time of your last dose on the wristband before a session. If you become unresponsive, the people around you will know what you have taken and when. It takes seconds and can make a real difference.

Other organisations that can help

You do not have to come to us. There are other organisations doing excellent work around chemsex support, and we are happy to signpost you to them.

Sahir House Sahir House is the Liverpool City Region’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ and HIV charity, and a partner of Wirral Ways. They offer free, confidential support for people living with or affected by HIV, LGBTQ+ wellbeing support, counselling, peer groups, rapid HIV testing, and sexual health advice. They work across the whole Liverpool City Region, including Wirral, and you can self-refer directly. Website: sahir.org.uk Button: Visit Sahir House

Terrence Higgins Trust The UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity. THT runs chemsex.co.uk, a dedicated resource to help people reflect on their use and reach out for support if they want it. They also offer a free online group called Let’s Talk About Chemsex, which runs weekly for gay, bisexual, and trans or non-binary people who have sex with men and would like to make a positive change to their use. You do not have to want to stop completely to take part. Website: chemsex.co.uk Button: Visit Terrence Higgins Trust

LGBT Foundation A national LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing charity based in Manchester. LGBT Foundation offers one-to-one and group support for LGBT people affected by drugs, alcohol, and chemsex through their CHEMsafe programme. Their spaces are open to all self-identifying queer people, including people of colour, trans, non-binary, and gender fluid people, and disabled people. They also run a monthly CHEMsafe group, available in person and online. Website: lgbt.foundation Button: Visit LGBT Foundation

FRANK Free, confidential drugs information and support, available 24 hours a day. Phone: 0300 123 6600 Text: 82111 Website: talktofrank.com Button: Visit FRANK

Sexual health testing

If you are using drugs in a sexual context, regular testing is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Many STIs and HIV have no obvious symptoms, so the only way to know your status is to get tested.

We would recommend testing for HIV and STIs if you are chemsexing regularly, after any unprotected sex, if you have shared injecting equipment, or if you are simply unsure when you last tested.

Request a test
HIV testing at Wirral Ways

We offer free rapid HIV testing at our hubs in partnership with Sahir House, the Liverpool City Region’s LGBTQ+ and HIV charity. A rapid HIV test takes around 20 minutes from start to result. It is free, confidential, and non-judgmental. You do not need to be registered with us to access a test.

Speak to a member of our team at any of our hubs to arrange a test, or contact us to find out more.

PrEP and PEP

If you are HIV negative and having sex where HIV transmission is a risk, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can significantly reduce your chances of acquiring HIV. It is available free from sexual health clinics across the UK.

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) can prevent infection if started within 72 hours. Do not wait. Contact a sexual health clinic or go to A&E as soon as possible.

STI testing

For a full STI screen, contact your local sexual health clinic. On Wirral, this is Contraception and Sexual Health (CASH) at Arrowe Park Hospital.

Phone: 0151 604 7291

U=U: Undetectable equals Untransmittable If someone is living with HIV and on effective treatment, their viral load can become undetectable. An undetectable viral load means they cannot pass HIV on to sexual partners. Testing and treatment saves lives.

Is chemsex illegal?

The drugs used in chemsex are controlled substances and possession is illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act. However, coming to us for support will not get you into trouble. We are a health service, not a reporting body. Everything you share with us is confidential.

I am not gay. Can I still access support?

Yes. Chemsex happens across all sexualities and genders. Our support is open to everyone.

I do not want to stop. Can I still get support?

Yes. You do not have to want to stop using to come to us. If you want harm reduction advice, a conversation, or just someone to talk to, we are here.

I am worried about someone else. What can I do?

You can contact us on their behalf. We can talk you through what you are seeing and what support might help. We also have information and resources for friends, family, and partners.

What is GBL withdrawal and why is it dangerous?

GHB and GBL are physically addictive. If you have been using G regularly and frequently, stopping suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms including seizures. This can be life-threatening. Please speak to us or a medical professional before stopping. We can support you to come off G safely.

Last Updated on 20 May 2026